Hundreds from across Staten Island lined up more than an hour early along Victory Boulevard for this year's event.
"It's Travis and Travis is America," Lifelong Staten Island Resident Lily Marc said.
This year parade organizers were thrilled to mark the 105th year of the event, something they've been working towards for months.
"We start in January and we [meet] once a month and then in June we [meet] every Tuesday," said Mary Lu Hayes, the Vice Chairman of the Parade.
At 91 years old, the parade's Grand Marshall was selected to be George Everett.
Everett served 17 years on the parade committee but was selected as Grand Marshall because of his contributions to the U.S., serving in both WWII and Korean War.
"This is the first time that I will not be cleaning the parking lot," Everett said.
The parade also served a political purpose and was a chance for elected officials and candidates to mingle with voters
"When you are a lifelong Staten Islander like I am nothing is more importatnt than the people of Staten Island," Joan Illuzzi, Republican Candidate for Staten Island D.A., said.
"I’ve been out at this parade probably for 25 years, whether I was running for office or not I'm just grateful to be here in Travis," Michael McMahon, Democratic Candidate for Staten Island D.A., said.
NYC's Public Advocate traveled to Staten Island to kick off her 4th of July celebrations and to represent the Mayor's Office.
"It’s really critically important that I reach all five Boroughs," Public Advocate for the City of New York Letitia James said.
Also taking part in the parade were the Paramount Theatre Band and representatives of the Global Medical Relief Fund.
This year the organizations invited a group of children from Africa, in the U.S. to receive prosthetic limbs, to join them on their float.
Just part of the work G.M.R.F. does to help others around the world.
A cause that parade goers can appreciate on a day Americans celebrate the place we call home.